Additional Coverage:
A federal judge has extended a temporary block preventing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Treasury Department payment systems. This system holds sensitive information, including Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, and tax data.
Nineteen state attorneys general, led by New York’s Letitia James, filed a lawsuit alleging DOGE illegally accessed the system under the Trump administration’s direction. The suit claims the agency’s access was granted improperly.
Judge Jeannette Vargas extended the existing temporary order but hasn’t yet ruled on the attorneys general’s request for a longer injunction.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed concerns about DOGE’s access, stating the agency is simply conducting a study to improve accountability and traceability of government funds. He insisted DOGE is not interfering with the Treasury’s payment processing.
The newly formed DOGE, tasked with reducing government waste, has access to numerous agencies, including USAID, the Department of Education, and the Department of Labor.